The University of Oklahoma's K20 Center is an educational research and outreach center and is known for innovation. This position will serve its latest K20 Center’s GEAR UP the METRO (METRO) program awarded in the fall of 2025 which seeks to empower students from underserved communities, providing them with resources, mentorship, and academic support to enhance their readiness for post-secondary education. Join K20’s METRO team and help to foster student success, elevate aspirations, and promote college and career readiness to create a brighter future for the cohort youth.

The METRO project is seeking a highly skilled and creative Graphic Designer to join our newly formed team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for performing professional graphic design and illustration services for both print and digital media that will support the K20 GEAR UP the METRO team of professionals working with 17 Oklahoma schools and their students to explore pathways to college and their careers. The Graphic Designer will play a key role in ensuring all the communications, resources, and supports are graphically engaging. Will be required to travel to school sites and national conferences to meet with leaders, community partners, and GEAR UP stakeholders and facilitate research and evaluation activities; this may require overnight trips.

Duties:

Professional Graphic Design and Illustration:

• Execute high-quality graphic design and illustration services tailored for both print and digital media, ensuring a polished and visually appealing outcome.
• Contribute to the creation of visually compelling materials that meet project objectives, incorporating a keen understanding of design principles and industry standards.

Desktop Publishing and Visual Communication:

• Take charge of desktop publishing tasks and graphic design activities for visual communications and web design projects.
• Apply technical proficiency to produce well-structured and visually engaging layouts, seamlessly adapting designs for both traditional and digital mediums.

Original Design Formulation:

• Formulate innovative design responses utilizing appropriate media, materials, tools, technology platforms, and techniques.
• Employ a variety of ideation and analytical strategies throughout the design process, ensuring the development of unique and effective visual communications.

Exemplary Design Principles:

• Integrate exemplary design principles, including composition, balance, hierarchy, harmony, and contrast, to create cohesive and visually impactful designs.
• Ensure that design solutions not only meet aesthetic standards but also effectively communicate the intended message to the target audience.

Alignment with Best Practices:

• Align graphic approach and content with industry best practices and organizational guidelines to maintain a consistent and professional visual identity.
• Stay updated on design trends and industry standards, applying this knowledge to enhance the quality and relevance of design work.

Effective Composition and Color Theory:

• Apply effective composition and color theory techniques, taking into consideration focal point, eye path, and value to create designs that captivate and resonate with the audience.
• Strive for a harmonious balance of visual elements, ensuring a visually pleasing and user-friendly experience.

Timely Project Completion and Budget Adherence:

• Manage projects efficiently to ensure timely completion, meeting deadlines without compromising quality.
• Incorporate feedback to improve deliverables and ensure alignment with expectations of the stakeholders (i.e., subject matter experts, instructional designers, coordinators).
• Work within specified budget constraints, demonstrating fiscal responsibility and resourcefulness in achieving project objectives.
• Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position.